Quick Answer
Clue: “Snow day vehicle”
Answer: PLOW
Answer length: 4 letters
Clue number & direction: 1-Across
Why “PLOW” Is the Right NYT Answer
- A snow day vehicle is typically the truck or machine that clears streets and parking lots, commonly called a snow plow.
- The grid needs four letters, and PLOW perfectly matches both the definition and length while fitting cleanly with likely crossing patterns like P_OW or PLO_.
What “PLOW” Means in Plain English
- A plow (in American spelling) is a piece of equipment on the front of a vehicle used to push snow out of the way.
- On a “snow day,” these vehicles are out early clearing roads so school buses, cars, and pedestrians can move around more safely.
Crossword-Specific Help and Patterns
- In a four-letter slot, “Snow day vehicle” will almost always point to PLOW rather than longer options like “snowcat” or “grader.”
- Common partial patterns you might see in the grid include PLOW, _LOW, or PLO_. PLOW also shows up often in crosswords for clues like “Drive implement” or “Snow-clearing blade,” so it is a good word to keep in your mental toolbox.
- Crossings for 1-Across in a typical mini grid (e.g., CHAMP, HERES, ORCAS, WRIST) would quickly confirm the P, L, O, and W, leaving no realistic alternative that matches the clue’s sense of a snow-clearing vehicle.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see “snow” plus “vehicle” or “truck” in a short slot (3–5 letters), test PLOW or PLOWS first.
- If the clue mentions “clears streets,” “city truck,” or “winter road crew,” that’s another strong signal for PLOW.
Watch for American vs. British spelling: PLOW (US) vs PLOUGH (UK), but NYT almost always uses the American form.
